Art Is Culture/Culture Is Art

[tinagodiva]

Manasija Monastery, Serbia.🇷🇸

[worldhistoryfacts]

’m sure you learned about Carthage in school. And I’d bet that what you learned about it was that Hannibal took some elephants over the Alps, gave the Romans a bad scare, and served as a worthy foe against which the Romans could test their mettle. Then the Romans destroyed Carthage.

But Carthage was much more than a foil for the Romans. It was a fascinating civilization, but, thanks to the Roman destruction, we can only get glimpses of their gods:

Their writing:

And their culture:

Much more about what we know (and don't know) about Carthage here:

Glimpses of Carthage

What can we know about one of the great ancient civilizations?

[tinagodiva]

Finstergrün Castle in Austria 🇦🇹

Finstergrün Castle is a picturesque medieval-style castle located in the Lungau region of Salzburg, Austria. It sits above the village of Ramingstein and is surrounded by forests and Alpine scenery.

The original fortress dates back to the 12th century and was built to protect local mining routes, especially silver trade in the region. Over time, it lost its military importance and fell into ruin.

In the early 20th century, the castle was rebuilt in a romantic Neo-Gothic style, giving it the fairy-tale appearance seen today. Unlike many castles, it was restored not as a royal residence but as a cultural and youth center.

Today, Finstergrün Castle is used as a youth hostel and event location. It is known for its mountain views, peaceful atmosphere, and strong connection to nature and Austrian history.

[tinagodiva]

Liechtenstein Castle, Austria 🇦🇹

The Liechtenstein Castle is one of Austria’s most picturesque medieval castles and the ancestral seat of the princely House of Liechtenstein.

[makingdonalddrumpfagain]

[mutant-distraction]

[tradlads]

The Eagle and Child is a historic pub in Oxford, England. Lots of writers would drink there. It is best known as the meeting place for the Inklings, a group that included famed authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis

The pub, often called "the Bird and Baby," has been a fixture since at least 1650 and holds a Grade II listed status, reflecting its cultural and architectural significance.

[buckskinboots]

Bronze Age Petroglyphs in Trialeti, Georgia. Found on rock massifs in the gorge of the Avdari River near the town of Tsalka.

[tinagodiva]

Corvin Castle, Romania 🇷🇴

Corvin Castle is one of the largest and most impressive medieval castles in Romania. Located in the city of Hunedoara, it is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Eastern Europe.

The castle was mainly built in the 15th century by John Hunyadi, a powerful nobleman who played a major role in defending Central Europe against Ottoman expansion. It served as both a fortified stronghold and an elegant noble residence.

Corvin Castle is famous for its soaring towers, drawbridge, knight’s hall, and impressive defensive walls. One of its most popular legends involves Vlad the Impaler, who is said to have been imprisoned there, although historical evidence for this remains uncertain.

Despite suffering damage from fires and centuries of neglect, the castle was restored and preserved. Today, it is one of Romania’s most visited landmarks and is often listed among the most beautiful castles in Europe. 🇷🇴🏰

[tinagodiva]

Braunfels Castle, Germany 🇩🇪

Braunfels Castle is a stunning hilltop castle located in the state of Hesse, Germany. Overlooking the town of Braunfels, it is one of Germany’s most picturesque castles, known for its fairy-tale towers and medieval atmosphere.

The castle was originally built in the 13th century by the Counts of Solms to protect important trade routes. Over the centuries, it was expanded and transformed from a medieval fortress into a grand residence.

In the 17th century, parts of the castle were damaged during the Thirty Years’ War. Later restorations, especially in the 19th century, gave Braunfels Castle its romantic Neo-Gothic appearance.

Today, the castle remains associated with the House of Solms-Braunfels and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors come to admire its historic rooms, armory, collections of art and weapons, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 🇩🇪🏰

[fatartappreciation]

The Three Graces by the late photographer Leonard Nimoy (yes, Spock from Star Trek!) from his Full Body Project

[fatartappreciation]

A true photographic classic!

[before-life]

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, c. 220-190 BC, Parian marble, Louvre, Paris (photo by Lauren)

[raygun631]

[mutant-distraction]

📷 George Cooper, in Svalbard.

Walrus

[mutant-distraction]

The Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) is a reclusive, solitary heron found in wetlands from Central to South America, known for its rich rufous (reddish-brown) head and neck, which distinguishes it from other tiger-herons. It's a "stand-and-wait" predator that hunts alone in shallow water for fish, crustaceans, and insects, often remaining motionless for long periods. Its call is a low, paired hoot, often heard at night.

Photo credit: James Cofield

[tinagodiva]

Sacra di San Michele, Italy 🇮🇹

Sacra di San Michele is a historic abbey and fortress-like monastery located on Mount Pirchiriano in Piedmont, Italy. Built high above the valley, it overlooks the route between Italy and France and has become one of the symbols of the Piedmont region.

The abbey was founded around the late 10th century and became an important religious center during the Middle Ages. Dedicated to Michael the Archangel, it was part of a line of sacred sites connected to the cult of Saint Michael across Europe.

Over the centuries, monks, pilgrims, and travelers visited the abbey, especially those journeying along medieval pilgrimage routes. Its dramatic stone architecture and mountain setting gave it both spiritual and defensive importance.

Today, Sacra di San Michele is admired for its breathtaking views, Romanesque architecture, and mysterious atmosphere. It also inspired the setting of The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco.

[tinagodiva]

Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris - France 🇫🇷